Trip Report - Aquatica and SeaWorld Orlando

Yesterday, we visited both Aquatica and SeaWorld Orlando. We arrived to the front of Aquatica at 9:35 AM, and got inside a little bit before 10 AM, the opening time, to rent our locker and put some of our stuff on chairs by the beach sand.

First slide we went onto was Taumata Racer, my absolute favorite of the entire park. We then did Walhalla Wave which was a blast, love the dark tube portion, we flew up high on the sides of the tube. Next was HooRoo Run, which is decent enough for a short wait time, nothing special here. We then headed over to Dolphin Plunge, which I wasn't a fan of the first time I went on it. This ride was a little bit better, but very overrated for the longest wait in the park (note: we didn't wait more than 10 minutes for a slide since we arrived early, just this one builds the longest lines it seems). Next, we headed over to Wanau Way, got on the Yellow slide, fun stuff. Omaka Rocka is a unique slide, had a good time on that one. We then did Wanau Way once more on the teal slides. Enjoyed some time in the wave pools, Loggerhead Lane, Roa's Rapids, and finished the day off with one more ride down Taumata Racer. We then headed over to SeaWorld Orlando across the street.

We ate first thing when we got into SeaWorld Orlando at 1:10 PM. Mango Joe's Cafe, good fajita sandwiches, a decent turkey sandwich, and nice strawberries. We watched some guys play the drums and jump around on stilts before we sat down 50 minutes prior to the One Ocean 3:30 PM show. Sat in the Splash Zone, fourth row, basically in the middle where the whales go to during the show. I loved One Ocean, I definitely noticed they amped up the Splash Zone aspect in a big way, was completely soaked. We then headed over to Clyde and Seamore Take Pirate Island, fun little show, after multiple viewings, I can go without seeing this one for a while. Next was the Penguin Encounter. Then a ride on Journey to Atlantis, which was the first time I've ever been on it. I rank it below Dudley Do Right at Islands of Adventure and in front of Splash Mountain at WDW, which I've grown quite bored with. Lots of fun in the dark ride portion, great drop, and awesome roller coaster element at the end. Finished the day off with a ride on Manta, WOW, an amazing roller coaster. Unbelievably fun. The first loop is insane. Can't wait to do this one again. We left the park around 6:30 PM and had a successful, fun day at the two parks.

Comments in chronological order. Most recent at the bottom. Scroll down to respond.

So is Aquatica only worth half a day do you think? Or could you spend all day there and not get bored? I want to go but I'm not accustomed to paying for park tickets anymore and it's killing me to shell out for one day at a waterpark. If you could go 8-10 times during the summer would you pay for an annual pass or should I hold out until I find someone who works there?

Hermione, I personally did not like Aquatica much. First slide he mentioned is very fun and the river rapids were entertaining for a bit because they're a bit faster/rougher than the usual lazy river. However, unless you just REALLY enjoy water parks it's not worth much. We spent a whole day there, well til around 3-4 when we all got tired and stayed entertained... but we spent most of that time waiting in line for food because it was July of opening year!

So keep in mine my opinion is probably biased for that, and by the fact that I am not a huge fan of water parks. Thousands of people in bikinis and no shoes.. yay!

I would say Aquatica is a half day park for sure as long as you arrive at opening. I was ready to go at 12:40ish after a 10 am opening. Sure, I could have done Taumata Racer a few more times and had a blast, but a few hours spent when they open is enough for me and I do love water parks.

Sounds look you had a great day! Good to hear that you managed to do both parks! Are the trainers back in the water for One Ocean? Someone told me they are but I wasn't sure whether to believe them or not from what I've read online..

I may be an exception but I love Aquatica. I could easily spend a day there, but in fairness I don't spend all that time on slides. I enjoy being able to read a book and take my time around the park and could probably spend a whole day there easily. Saying that, I never sit by the 'main pool' at water parks, so my day is generally a lot more relaxing than most!